Israel cover art

Israel

A Concise History of a Nation Reborn

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Israel

By: Daniel Gordis
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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About this listen

The first comprehensive yet accessible history of the state of Israel from its inception to present day, from Daniel Gordis, "one of the most respected Israel analysts" (The Forward) living and writing in Jerusalem.

Israel is a tiny state, and yet it has captured the world's attention, aroused its imagination, and lately, been the object of its opprobrium. Why does such a small country speak to so many global concerns? More pressingly: Why does Israel make the decisions it does? And what lies in its future?

We cannot answer these questions until we understand Israel's people and the questions and conflicts, the hopes and desires, that have animated their conversations and actions. Though Israel's history is rife with conflict, these conflicts do not fully communicate the spirit of Israel and its people: they give short shrift to the dream that gave birth to the state, and to the vision for the Jewish people that was at its core. Guiding us through the milestones of Israeli history, Gordis relays the drama of the Jewish people's story and the creation of the state. Clear-eyed and erudite, he illustrates how Israel became a cultural, economic and military powerhouse - but also explains where Israel made grave mistakes and traces the long history of Israel's deepening isolation.

With Israel, public intellectual Daniel Gordis offers us a brief but thorough account of the cultural, economic, and political history of this complex nation, from its beginnings to the present. Accessible, levelheaded, and rigorous, Israel sheds light on Israel's past so we can understand its future. The result is a vivid portrait of a people, and a nation, reborn.

©2016 Daniel Gordis (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers
20th Century Israel & Palestine Judaism War Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Holocaust Military Refugee Imperialism

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Balanced and very upto date

Well narrated bringing cultural aspects together with political events. A balanced and thoughtful narrative which talks to the many sided aspects of this country. A must read for anyone who wants to understand rather than just protest.

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Excellent!

Excellent non-fiction history of the Zionist movement (from the dawn of time). I read this book in preparation for a work trip to Israel and wasn’t disappointed. I wanted something that wasn’t Wikipedia and that wasn’t wanky academic. Something accessible with many points to ponder was the aim. The prose is clear and I enjoyed the efforts to find a balance while still acknowledging a clear bias.

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Excellent overview of the history of the modern state of Israel

Quite exhaustive summary from the early days of Zionism. Well researched history of this period. For those looking for the whole story this is a good one with interesting comment on the events. Audiobook is done very well.

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An essential read

An absolute must for anyone seeking to know more about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Written well before the events of 7/10 the reader is provided crucial information and context around the creation, challenges and adversities faced by the fledgling state which has led directly and indirectly to hostilities and the eventual war with Hamas.

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Balanced informative & current

I really enjoyed the book. It gave me a much deeper understanding and appreciation of Israel and its people’s.

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